Šahman in Turkey: The great importance of our diaspora in building friendly relations between the two countries

(Patria) - President of the Bosniak Democratic Movement (BDP) Sead Šahman, at the invitation of the Association of Emigrants from Montenegro in Turkish Burhaniye - Balikesir, attended the traditional "Balkan Evening" event, which gathered several hundred emigrants, mostly from the municipalities of Burhaniye, Ayvalik, and Edremit, but also from other parts of the country.

During his address, Šahman emphasized the important role of the Montenegrin diaspora in strengthening relations between the two countries, stating that people settled the territory of present-day Turkey on several occasions throughout the 20th century, mainly for economic and political reasons.

- People from today's municipalities such as Pljevlja, Kolašin, Bijelo Polje, Nikšić, Rožaje came to the region of present-day Balikesir mainly after the First Balkan War, then in 1924, and then in the sixties and nineties of the last century.

It was not easy for the first generations of emigrants. Here they founded their families, over time built successful businesses, established themselves in politics, science, culture, and sports, and now they represent an important bridge of cooperation between two modern states like Montenegro and Turkey - Šahman pointed out.

The areas where emigrants from Montenegro now live have many similarities with the municipalities on the Montenegrin coast. It is a region of olives and olive oil, with extremely developed tourism, and where different cultures live together in harmony, which represents an exceptional potential for future cooperation and further connection.



- Montenegro and Turkey cooperate intensively, both countries are members of the NATO alliance, and Montenegro has another important goal related to membership in the European Union - Šahman conveyed.

An increasing number of Turkish companies are showing interest in doing business in Montenegro, thus further strengthening economic ties between the two countries. Among those interested in investing are also emigrants who have built successful businesses across Turkey.

The Association of Emigrants from Montenegro in Burhaniye is the recipient of an award for the diplomatic promotion of Montenegro, which is a state and very important award. This speaks volumes about the important role they play and the love they cherish for Montenegro.

During his stay in the Balikesir region and the municipalities of Burhaniye, Ayvalik, and Edremit, organized by the President of the Association, Adil Ozuzan, Šahman met with numerous emigrants who are successful in many social fields, as well as with the presidents of the chambers of commerce of these three municipalities, which bring together a large number of businessmen who have expressed interest in investing in Montenegro.

Šahman also spoke with the governor of the Burhaniye district, İlyas Memiş, and the mayor of Ayvalik, Mesut Ergin, whose origin is from Pljevlja.